I recently started a dispatch job for a tow company a few months back, we deal with heavy snow in the mountain town I'm in. You videos are a great way for me to understand better what my drivers go through. Thank you sir, God bless you and your company. I am a believer as well, I will be adding you and your company to my prayers.
I like how you are grooming Ethan with baby steps, just like your towing skills, inch by inch no fast moves ,to some day be a professional tow truck operator like yourself. You should be proud of him just like he should be proud of you for having a father who wants to make sure his son has some skills for the rest of his life...hats off to you sir, a job well done!!
These forklifts have 3 steering functions. You can 4-wheel steer, front steer, or crab steer. Our drivers switch between all functions when loading to get the lift centered on their trucks. If your rear is pointing one way or the other you can go back to 4-wheel steer and get it centered then switch to the front steer like you did to get them better aligned. These boogers are one of the most challenging pieces of equipment to load especially if you can’t figure out the steering. Trial and error till you get the feel of them. Great job sticking with it. Love your videos.
This person speaks the truth, they are a pain to load, and definitely safest to load with a spotter. I would imagine it's much easier on an RGN though, not as far to fall off :D
Yeah I haul telehandlers every day for a rental company. And I can attest for how much of a pain these are. And he is correct with making sure to set the rear axle straight before you switch to front steer. Also I found it is better at weight distribution when you load the telehandler on backwards. Just give yourself some space between the counterweight and the step of the trailer.
And always be sure of what steering mode and where the rears are pointed before you start to move. Our crews would forget to straighten up before switching out of 4-wheel or crab, and it could make for some interesting maneuvers until you figured out what was going on. One other thing missed here is that those forks can flip up freely: for a trip of any length, or on rough roads, it's best to throw a ratchet strap over them and cinch them down so they don't bounce.
I couldn't agree more! Infact, I'd appreciate it if we could get 2-video's per week. But that would probably be too much work. Ron's video's is like therapy, keeps us sane, in a world full of insanity.
It’s nice to see the relationship you have with your son Ron and how you both interact together. You give him positive encouragement in more ways than one when he’s on the job with you. Also, nice to see you giving him an atta boy for the idea of turning off the 4-wheel drive of switching it to 2-wheel drive. Glad to see you showed the drive along the way too. Very nice day with nice scenery. Love the blue sky with the puffy white clouds. I watched the entire trip you guys took and was just amazed on everything I saw… Liked the bridge over the river scenery too. Made me wonder if that was a good fishing spot… Glad you decided to show that part of it… It wasn’t boring to me. Shows the trip ya’ll have to take when on the job. Thanks Ron, for the time it took to show and share this video… It was packed with a lot more than meets the eye… Excellent music choices too btw…! Tell your Dad he did a good Job…! The world needs more men like you…! PS… got a kick out of the mask you had on… I’m sure someone made that one for you… also like the beginning part where you showed Ethen and your faces… This video made my day! You’re a good Man…!
Hey Ron, just thought I’d pass this on to ya… My wife told me she like watching the driving part of your videos too because it makes her feel like she’s going somewhere considering we’re stuck not going to too many places because of CVD19... And she says a big thank you...!
Ron doesn't just teach his employees, he teaches viewers too. Today working in yard I had to use the truck to drag a big tree limb and after breaking the a ratchet strap; when got a chain . Ron's voice is going through my head as I hook the chain round the limb, "chain pulls into the throat of the hook"
We had a Construction Crew working on a Bridge Project in St. Louis this week and there was a Load Shift and the Lift went over the Bridge and hit the ground 60’ below. The 59 year old employee initially survived the impact but later died at a hospital. It was a Very Sad Day. Many Prayers to his Family. 🙏
Always great to see you and your son working together. I have fond memories of my dad and I working on projects together when I was about his age. No mater what he decides to do with the rest of his life, valuable skills are being learned.
Ron, you have NO idea of how much of an incredible blessing these videos are to me! This one in particular was a stroll down memory lane, big time! You see, although I now live in Virginia and my job with USDA took me all around this great country of ours, my heart will always be in Missouri. I grew up in Barnhart, went to college at SEMO in Cape (1980's), my sis lives in Bloomsdale (Ste. Gen County), we had a very small family farm in Biehle (BoCo), my dad lives in Manchester (West County), and I started my career in Columbia. Watching your drive to and from O'Fallon was a real treat for me, and I praise God for it! And I thank you for all that you do!
Ron enjoy those times working with your son, I'm sure he'll remember these times the rest of his life. I have great memories of going with my dad in his truck back in the 70's. Sadly he passed away back in June but ill always remember the times spent with him. God bless!
You came right through my neck of the woods in Jefferson County. I'm maybe 5 miles from 55 on US 67. Looks like you all stopped at Mississippi Lime & took the scenic route home lol. God bless you & EVERYONE at Midwest Truck.
Actually, we had to pick up a backhaul at MS Lime and there are no cameras allowed in their facilities. You called that one. Long day, but it's nice to get out of the office occasionally. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Load it backwards. The "heavy" end of that machine is the counterweight/engine in the back. It will get the weight more centered on your trailer. Way easier to make weight and safer transport going down the road (more balanced load). Those skytracks can be 8' or 8' 6" depending on the tires and size of the machine. Just watch the side your on and the other side will be on the trailer. You have to constantly shuttle the steering between the 4 wheel steer and the 2 wheel steer to get them straight. Use your wireless remote to bring the trailer back level while you sit on the machine holding the brakes if you're afraid of it rolling off. Great job, though. Safe and effective transport. I can tell you spend the majority of your time doing towing/recovery vs. lowbed work. Awesome job and I love your channel. God Bless
I've hauled them from the manufacturer in Pennsylvania, to a rental company in southern California. Loaded the way he is, & didn't have a single issue!! Yes those things are surprisingly heavy. The bigger ones like that start around 35k lbs & up.
@@timothygeiger437 I work for a rental company. We had a driver loading a 12k size (38’000 lbs) on his trailer and he wasn’t paying attention and he rolled it off the side of the trailer the other day. Fortunately he landed on top of the machine as opposed to the other way around.
Thank you for that wonderful drive up I-55, around the St. Louis beltway, and out I-70. It's been quite a few years since I made that trip. Beautiful scenery.
Makes for a long day on runs like that. But in return u got to spend some awesome quality time with ur son. God bless you and ur whole family and company
Mr. Ron I love the way you teach your guys. You always lift them up and give praise . Just love the way you treat people. From the Mississippi Preschers Daughter Stay safe
Always good to see a video from you, even better when it's father and son. World needs more of this, I'm fortunate that I still have mine to work with. Treasure the moments. Thanks for sharing.
Ron & Ethan, I can remember as a pre-teen working with my Dad replacing the wood flooring on the deck of his 48' flatbed trailer. Drilling those screws was tough work, and was even more difficult when a young lad got tired, but the job had to be finished. To this day, Dad will always be my toughest boss. When we would travel on vacation he have me watch the right side on the road while Mom was relaxing in the back RV. Being a careful and determined operator is a reward all to it's own. Thanks for sharing this video.
I would suggest that Ethan or any other guy you have guiding equipment on a trailer or rollback give a continuous hand signal when loading. With the noise level of the lift's engine. verbal commands were out the window. I really enjoy your postings. Keep them coming. God bless you, your family, and the business. Stay safe!
Hello Ron and Ethan, great video showing your professionalism as well as father and son time but also teacher and pupil. Ethan you did a great job assisting you dad. I also thoroughly enjoyed the scenery on the way to the depot. Thanks for sharing and continue to stay safe 😷
Ron I cannot believe how much older Ethan is looking seems like yesterday you two were out fishing and now he is like a grown man he has transformed in a blink of an eye 👁 he’s making me feel old!!!!Looks like he’s a minnie me of your dad awesome seeing him out with you learning the buisness with you prayers and well wishes to you and all of the midwest truck families!!!!!
Very nice, very nice! Nothing better than to teach your son on the job site! He is quite a big fellow for 17 years old! Thanks for showing us the scenery!
I think what impresses me most is how nice all your equipment looks. My limited experience I have with tow vehicles is oily rusty trucks driven by some baba. As always a nice professional job. Well done and God bless.
Ethan is so very lucky, has a wonderful family. a great career headed towards him in life. getting good experience and work ethic. His dad, Ron, seems like a great guy from his videos and how he talks to others. Ethans family seems like they are full of love and support. this kid is really going to go places later on in life. Wish I were so lucky. pushing 40 next month on disability unable to physically work anymore and can't find a deskjob anywhere that I can do. I never have had support or love from anyone esp my own family. I am glad for him and seeing him grow in these videos and become a nice young gentleman is nice to see.
Love the driver's eye view Ron, crystal clear and very stable. Your passenger side wing mirror is set perfectly for the camera too. 😁 Thoroughly enjoyed the drive; I'd really like to see more of that, especially in the local area round the shop. It would be good to get to recognise some lanmarks; I never know when you're going to turn into the yard. 😁 Cheers for now, Dougie.
Eathen did a good job, he is one smart cookie especially when he knew about the back wheel lockout. Thank you for the drive through the awesome scenery it looks like rental place was on the other side of the world. When you speed up the video looks like your speeding and passing everyone on road. Some day if I can get out there I would like to come by and and see you all, maybe go on a run with you.
Honestly this looks so much fun, I'm a truck driver, I mostly drive around with liquids in tankers or containers but flatbed looks pretty interesting. I wish I had someone in my youth doing this with me
I enjoy seeing u teach your son more and more it warms my heart to see farther and son do things together cause I didn't get to experience things like this cause I lost my dad at a young age from a mobile home falling on him and how he is learning how to do things ron you have a very smart young man there keep up the good work brother and god bless and stay safe out there cause we all know you have a very difficult and dangerous job....
"These little things are deceivingly heavy." All together now..."How...heavy...is it?" And, Ron, is there a piece of machinery you don't know how to operate? Does look like Ethan's learning a lot about how to do that job! You're gonna have to hire him when he turns 18 just so your competition doesn't poach him!
Good Morning Ron. I have loaded those day in and day out. That is a 8k capacity and any size from 8k to 12k will always be right on the edge of your rails on both sides. If your driver side tires are right on the edge ill guarantee that the other side is the same distance.
Another interesting one in the books Ron. It might help your son and employees if you will have them use signals like they do with aircraft for directing on and off the trailers. Just using fingers and voice doesn’t always work. Maybe even radios to.
You sure? For me it seems like he is a bit bored or not really interested in doing this job, but maybe that's just the way he is (how he comes over to me). But the Pratt family team is always doing a good job. I hope you are staying well and save while the pandemic is around.
I love watching you & your Son work together the relationship that you both have together is just out of this world may God continue to bless you both & as a viewer I will keep you all in my prayers
Ron, you are a master with all kinds of equipment and machinery. You possess talents and abilities that bless very few. Of course, your father was a great teacher and you are passing it on to Ethan. God bless you and your family.
Ron Sir iam 72 yrs old and i used to work for wrecker service and garage auto repair shop in little town in Tenn. in the 70's called Monroe's garage and wrecker service. Surgoinsville Tennessee Iam a old western movie fan, but I would rather watch your Very sharp and clear videos than watch any other video here on internet , in Gray tenn where i live. You're the most respectiable owner and operator that i have seen in yrs. I can see in all your videos that you are a Very Devoted CHRISTIAN ,and i sure do admire you for that my friend. keep up the videos ' OH yea..... Sir i loved the music you used in this video at the end , instrumentals may i ask where i can get those music instrumentals plz . Sir keep up the videos they just make my day here . thanks MR Pratt, and you and your family,and co-workers have a nice and safe there , and GOD BLESS All of you there
Another job safely done did not expect a full drive to STL lol glad you can go faster than 65 cause my 680 sure cant lol 😆 at least cfi wont let us run 70 Stay safe out there and glad to see Ethan getting some hands on those chains to learn how to secure a load safely
At least the rain held off until the trip home! That was some narrow street maneuvering you had to do to pick it up--But you had a key! I remember the van in the woods episodes! And the Truck one too! Great video Ron! God Bless!!
While on the flat ground turn the wheels straight and then turn the steering to front wheel steer, crab mode or tight turn steer mode where front and rear wheels turn opposite directions. If brakes don't hold put the winch line on it.
@11:40 It occurred to me that when feeding a chain through a pocket (or anything other than just slapping on a hook) on a machine that might roll away, it would be a good idea to not attach the chain to the trailer first. That way if it does start moving your hands aren't in the hole with the chain. Ethan was fine in this case, but this might be a good tip for the future. (Unless someone with more experience can correct me on this).
Glad to see you change your mind on the rear tiedown. Pulling straight up is a sure way to break a chain when loading something with pneumatic tires. I hauled a Case 621 forklift for many years.
I’ve operated those machines and it would be extremely difficult to load it on the trailer with 4 wheel steer. Ethan was right, good call. It also has crab steer which makes the whole machine move left or right sideways, which would help you center it in the trailer. Love that trailer though.
Thanks for sharing Ron. I dont know if things have changed, but in 2000 when I pulled flatbed we could go 4" over the side without needing an OD permitt.
Bravo this equipment need additional ball mirror at the right front side to easy operate by operator, luckily Ron Pratt men is a professional for everything, nice job guys, stay safe & keep on towing.
I want to thank you for your professionalism both in your profession and in your editing of videos. I love the theme music at the beginning and ending of the videos. Gives me time to like and then go full screen. May God continue to bless you and your's. Dan
Friday is the only day I look forward to getting up early. Got to get my weekly dose of Ron Pratt video. It must be nice to have your son with you on the job with you. Ethan gets to spend time with his dad, and learn a trade at the same time. That’s definitely a win-win situation. Stay safe, stay healthy, and god bless..
17 is going to need an oil change after that trip! This video ought to make those that have asked for the trip to be in the video very happy! Thanks Ron!!
If you put loop on one end of the chain, hook into the trailer, put the screw binder on and then get one more link on the loop made in the chain you will never run out thread on the binder.
Ron, for truck 17 at least, you should consider speed binders, this rig will see more and more use as your clients see it around and knowledge of it spreads, the speed binders would allow a driver to be used to tighten and loosen the cargo tie down. Dirt Perfect has switched to them for hauling his excavators around on his flatdeck, his videos do have them in use and he has stated the battery for the impact driver he uses lasts for a week before going flat. Though he also set up a charging station in the tool box on the trailer.
You've got me hooked Ron, especially with that beautiful music at the end....... I'm watching you night and day now, enjoying every minute...... Keep up the great work!
@@michaelking3327 i don't think he's referring to over-centre binders. There are a type of ratchet/worm drive binder that have a nut on them to speed tension, able to be done up with a drill or small impact gun.
Great to see Ethan on the job giving the old man useful pointers on the steering problem. One thing I'd like to see though is less bending at the waist to tighten binders etc. Given that he's no small lad, lower back strain is something worth avoiding for as long as possible. Great job by both of you. (Not that Ron does any other kind.)
Shoot if I knew y’all where up where I work I would have invited y’all to lunch. Lol love you videos brother! Watching takes me back to when I lived down your way a bit always from Essex. It’s a little piece of home as well as watching the great work you do. God Bless
I'm glad u specifide abt Ethan. Cuz I started to question as to why he was performing the way he was.. But I'm also glad he is trying to learn n u helping him!
That was quite an education. In the past i have watched excavators being loaded on to low loaders. It is not an easy thing to do. Although experts make it look very easy indeed. Well done Ethan, for helping your Dad. You will not be the loser for it.
Would love to see Ethan take charge on a job, just to see how much he has already learned. You can tell he has a good head on his shoulders!! Ron you should feel proud of him, he is right there in your footsteps.
I am a fan of your video's and have learned a lot. I wish you had been on when I was working. The telehandler would have been easier to load, was when you locked the rear axel put the equipment on with the rear wheels in place and used the fork arm to lift the front wheels and center the tires.. Don't stop making these I am learning a lot from them. I am too old to working like you do.
Really nice video as always Ron. Those Telehandlers can be a bear when trying to do precision maneuvering. For something designed to pick and place, I've never had a piece of equipment more finicky than a telehandler. Also, love the timelapse camera position. Really gives a good view of the road without being too disorienting.
Little trick for loading those telehandlers, for most of the bigger ones ( with a few exceptions) if you line the edge of the tire with the inside edge of the stake pockets on the trailer it will put you almost dead center.
A big thank you Ron and Ethan for a perfect video , not only of your skills in transporting an awkward piece of equipment form a - b but a mini tour of the USA complete with soothing background music. Where some of the roads featured in your "sunday rideout" video ?, and I see that you are having the same weather as we are in England at the mo sun/rain/sun etc all in a day. God Bless, stay safe and prayers to all.
Ron, I enjoy your videos and it is great seeing Ethan working with you. I see something in Ethan, that I saw in my own son at that age and it got my son hurt. That, is not doing what you say when you say it. Two examples in this video 1. When you told him to get down off the front of the trailer 2. When you told him to get up on the trailer to unhook the front binder . Both of those things were minor in nature, the next time could be a
42:55 - Y'know, Rain-X makes a wash/wipe fluid with water repellent in it. Might be a good idea to pick a bottle or two up, the rain'll roll right off the windshield. (Bear in mind it's rated 32°F+, so not a good idea to load it in if you're expecting a hard freeze, but down here in coastal Texas it works wonders)
I recently started a dispatch job for a tow company a few months back, we deal with heavy snow in the mountain town I'm in. You videos are a great way for me to understand better what my drivers go through. Thank you sir, God bless you and your company. I am a believer as well, I will be adding you and your company to my prayers.
I like how you are grooming Ethan with baby steps, just like your towing skills, inch by inch no fast moves ,to some day be a professional tow truck operator like yourself. You should be proud of him just like he should be proud of you for having a father who wants to make sure his son has some skills for the rest of his life...hats off to you sir, a job well done!!
These forklifts have 3 steering functions. You can 4-wheel steer, front steer, or crab steer. Our drivers switch between all functions when loading to get the lift centered on their trucks. If your rear is pointing one way or the other you can go back to 4-wheel steer and get it centered then switch to the front steer like you did to get them better aligned. These boogers are one of the most challenging pieces of equipment to load especially if you can’t figure out the steering. Trial and error till you get the feel of them. Great job sticking with it. Love your videos.
Exactly what I was going to say lol they can be tricky for people to operate if they aren't used to them. I miss operating machinery!
This person speaks the truth, they are a pain to load, and definitely safest to load with a spotter. I would imagine it's much easier on an RGN though, not as far to fall off :D
Yeah I haul telehandlers every day for a rental company. And I can attest for how much of a pain these are. And he is correct with making sure to set the rear axle straight before you switch to front steer. Also I found it is better at weight distribution when you load the telehandler on backwards. Just give yourself some space between the counterweight and the step of the trailer.
And always be sure of what steering mode and where the rears are pointed before you start to move. Our crews would forget to straighten up before switching out of 4-wheel or crab, and it could make for some interesting maneuvers until you figured out what was going on.
One other thing missed here is that those forks can flip up freely: for a trip of any length, or on rough roads, it's best to throw a ratchet strap over them and cinch them down so they don't bounce.
Crab steer makes all the difference in the world. I know from loading farm tractors with this feature.
It would not be Friday without a Ron Pratt video. Thank you and God bless Ron and take care everybody.
I couldn't agree more! Infact, I'd appreciate it if we could get 2-video's per week. But that would probably be too much work. Ron's video's is like therapy, keeps us sane, in a world full of insanity.
That was a quick trip, enjoyed the ride, love the videos, thank you and have a blessed day!
It’s nice to see the relationship you have with your son Ron and how you both interact together. You give him positive encouragement in more ways than one when he’s on the job with you. Also, nice to see you giving him an atta boy for the idea of turning off the 4-wheel drive of switching it to 2-wheel drive.
Glad to see you showed the drive along the way too. Very nice day with nice scenery. Love the blue sky with the puffy white clouds. I watched the entire trip you guys took and was just amazed on everything I saw… Liked the bridge over the river scenery too. Made me wonder if that was a good fishing spot… Glad you decided to show that part of it… It wasn’t boring to me. Shows the trip ya’ll have to take when on the job.
Thanks Ron, for the time it took to show and share this video… It was packed with a lot more than meets the eye… Excellent music choices too btw…! Tell your Dad he did a good Job…! The world needs more men like you…! PS… got a kick out of the mask you had on… I’m sure someone made that one for you… also like the beginning part where you showed Ethen and your faces… This video made my day! You’re a good Man…!
Hey Ron, just thought I’d pass this on to ya… My wife told me she like watching the driving part of your videos too because it makes her feel like she’s going somewhere considering we’re stuck not going to too many places because of CVD19... And she says a big thank you...!
Ron doesn't just teach his employees, he teaches viewers too. Today working in yard I had to use the truck to drag a big tree limb and after breaking the a ratchet strap; when got a chain . Ron's voice is going through my head as I hook the chain round the limb, "chain pulls into the throat of the hook"
We had a Construction Crew working on a Bridge Project in St. Louis this week and there was a Load Shift and the Lift went over the Bridge and hit the ground 60’ below. The 59 year old employee initially survived the impact but later died at a hospital. It was a Very Sad Day. Many Prayers to his Family. 🙏
Always great to see you and your son working together. I have fond memories of my dad and I working on projects together when I was about his age. No mater what he decides to do with the rest of his life, valuable skills are being learned.
WOW loved the road trip. Great job. BUT Father and son working together.................................Priceless!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you SIR!
I wish more fathers would show the respect and love you have for Ethan. You are a great father and a good man Ron Pratt. God Bless.
Ron, you have NO idea of how much of an incredible blessing these videos are to me! This one in particular was a stroll down memory lane, big time! You see, although I now live in Virginia and my job with USDA took me all around this great country of ours, my heart will always be in Missouri. I grew up in Barnhart, went to college at SEMO in Cape (1980's), my sis lives in Bloomsdale (Ste. Gen County), we had a very small family farm in Biehle (BoCo), my dad lives in Manchester (West County), and I started my career in Columbia. Watching your drive to and from O'Fallon was a real treat for me, and I praise God for it! And I thank you for all that you do!
Ron enjoy those times working with your son, I'm sure he'll remember these times the rest of his life. I have great memories of going with my dad in his truck back in the 70's. Sadly he passed away back in June but ill always remember the times spent with him. God bless!
You came right through my neck of the woods in Jefferson County. I'm maybe 5 miles from 55 on US 67. Looks like you all stopped at Mississippi Lime & took the scenic route home lol. God bless you & EVERYONE at Midwest Truck.
Actually, we had to pick up a backhaul at MS Lime and there are no cameras allowed in their facilities. You called that one. Long day, but it's nice to get out of the office occasionally. Thanks for watching and God bless.
@@RonPratt well to be honest that was the only industry that I knew of in Ste Gen area lol. It pays to travel areas at times lol. Oh no doubt
Load it backwards. The "heavy" end of that machine is the counterweight/engine in the back. It will get the weight more centered on your trailer. Way easier to make weight and safer transport going down the road (more balanced load). Those skytracks can be 8' or 8' 6" depending on the tires and size of the machine. Just watch the side your on and the other side will be on the trailer. You have to constantly shuttle the steering between the 4 wheel steer and the 2 wheel steer to get them straight. Use your wireless remote to bring the trailer back level while you sit on the machine holding the brakes if you're afraid of it rolling off.
Great job, though. Safe and effective transport. I can tell you spend the majority of your time doing towing/recovery vs. lowbed work. Awesome job and I love your channel. God Bless
Plus it's safer, it's always a good habit to never load forklifts with the forks facing you.
I've hauled them from the manufacturer in Pennsylvania, to a rental company in southern California. Loaded the way he is, & didn't have a single issue!! Yes those things are surprisingly heavy. The bigger ones like that start around 35k lbs & up.
Hey Timothy... I've delivered parts to the JLG facilities there in Pa
@@timothygeiger437 I work for a rental company. We had a driver loading a 12k size (38’000 lbs) on his trailer and he wasn’t paying attention and he rolled it off the side of the trailer the other day. Fortunately he landed on top of the machine as opposed to the other way around.
Thank you for that wonderful drive up I-55, around the St. Louis beltway, and out I-70. It's been quite a few years since I made that trip. Beautiful scenery.
Makes for a long day on runs like that. But in return u got to spend some awesome quality time with ur son. God bless you and ur whole family and company
Mr. Ron
I love the way you teach your guys. You always lift them up and give praise .
Just love the way you treat people.
From the Mississippi Preschers Daughter
Stay safe
Great job Nathan, you make a father proud.
Always good to see a video from you, even better when it's father and son. World needs more of this, I'm fortunate that I still have mine to work with. Treasure the moments. Thanks for sharing.
Ron & Ethan, I can remember as a pre-teen working with my Dad replacing the wood flooring on the deck of his 48' flatbed trailer. Drilling those screws was tough work, and was even more difficult when a young lad got tired, but the job had to be finished. To this day, Dad will always be my toughest boss. When we would travel on vacation he have me watch the right side on the road while Mom was relaxing in the back RV. Being a careful and determined operator is a reward all to it's own. Thanks for sharing this video.
I would suggest that Ethan or any other guy you have guiding equipment on a trailer or rollback give a continuous hand signal when loading. With the noise level of the lift's engine. verbal commands were out the window. I really enjoy your postings. Keep them coming. God bless you, your family, and the business. Stay safe!
Hello Ron and Ethan, great video showing your professionalism as well as father and son time but also teacher and pupil. Ethan you did a great job assisting you dad. I also thoroughly enjoyed the scenery on the way to the depot. Thanks for sharing and continue to stay safe 😷
So glad Ethan is with you today
He is an excellent helper
Ron I cannot believe how much older Ethan is looking seems like yesterday you two were out fishing and now he is like a grown man he has transformed in a blink of an eye 👁 he’s making me feel old!!!!Looks like he’s a minnie me of your dad awesome seeing him out with you learning the buisness with you prayers and well wishes to you and all of the midwest truck families!!!!!
Very nice, very nice! Nothing better than to teach your son on the job site! He is quite a big fellow for 17 years old! Thanks for showing us the scenery!
I think what impresses me most is how nice all your equipment looks. My limited experience I have with tow vehicles is oily rusty trucks driven by some baba. As always a nice professional job. Well done and God bless.
Enjoyed the ride along, even St. Louis in the rain,...a lot of familiar scenery...just never covered it that quickly...lol. thanks for sharing.
Ethan is so very lucky, has a wonderful family. a great career headed towards him in life. getting good experience and work ethic. His dad, Ron, seems like a great guy from his videos and how he talks to others. Ethans family seems like they are full of love and support. this kid is really going to go places later on in life. Wish I were so lucky. pushing 40 next month on disability unable to physically work anymore and can't find a deskjob anywhere that I can do. I never have had support or love from anyone esp my own family. I am glad for him and seeing him grow in these videos and become a nice young gentleman is nice to see.
Your raising that boy right and it's nice to see that he is taking an interest in the family business.
Love the driver's eye view Ron, crystal clear and very stable. Your passenger side wing mirror is set perfectly for the camera too. 😁 Thoroughly enjoyed the drive; I'd really like to see more of that, especially in the local area round the shop. It would be good to get to recognise some lanmarks; I never know when you're going to turn into the yard. 😁
Cheers for now,
Dougie.
Eathen did a good job, he is one smart cookie especially when he knew about the back wheel lockout. Thank you for the drive through the awesome scenery it looks like rental place was on the other side of the world. When you speed up the video looks like your speeding and passing everyone on road. Some day if I can get out there I would like to come by and and see you all, maybe go on a run with you.
Honestly this looks so much fun, I'm a truck driver, I mostly drive around with liquids in tankers or containers but flatbed looks pretty interesting.
I wish I had someone in my youth doing this with me
I enjoy seeing u teach your son more and more it warms my heart to see farther and son do things together cause I didn't get to experience things like this cause I lost my dad at a young age from a mobile home falling on him and how he is learning how to do things ron you have a very smart young man there keep up the good work brother and god bless and stay safe out there cause we all know you have a very difficult and dangerous job....
It’s great to see Ethan helping out 👍👍👍👍. He’s got the best teacher to learn the ropes. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
"These little things are deceivingly heavy." All together now..."How...heavy...is it?"
And, Ron, is there a piece of machinery you don't know how to operate?
Does look like Ethan's learning a lot about how to do that job! You're gonna have to hire him when he turns 18 just so your competition doesn't poach him!
27,000 lb. It's an 8042 which means 8,000 lb lift 42 ft reach.
It took awhile but you are professional and handle any situation. Another great job done by you Ron and Ethan.
"Ethan is working when he's off school". With Daddy's work ethic and family business, it should be no other way.
Good Morning Ron.
I have loaded those day in and day out. That is a 8k capacity and any size from 8k to 12k will always be right on the edge of your rails on both sides. If your driver side tires are right on the edge ill guarantee that the other side is the same distance.
Cool to see father son moment. Not only he is learning but I am also.
Another interesting one in the books Ron. It might help your son and employees if you will have them use signals like they do with aircraft for directing on and off the trailers. Just using fingers and voice doesn’t always work. Maybe even radios to.
From Minot North Dakota, thank you for sharing your family and videos with us. Great job Ethan.
Fork chain at the back. Indirect from chain slot to chain slot. All it needs to do is hold attachment down to deck. Thanks for sharing, Pratt boys.
No Ethans were harmed in the production of this video.
LOL!
You sure? For me it seems like he is a bit bored or not really interested in doing this job, but maybe that's just the way he is (how he comes over to me). But the Pratt family team is always doing a good job.
I hope you are staying well and save while the pandemic is around.
I love watching you & your Son work together the relationship that you both have together is just out of this world may God continue to bless you both & as a viewer I will keep you all in my prayers
Or Rons for that matter...
Ron with all his PPE on & Ethan had no PPE on. Hard hat & gloves. You can hear Ron tell him watch your head more the once. Pray stay safe 🙏 🦺🥽🦲👷♂️
great driving on those narrow roads and weather AFTER drop off. perfect timing, Mother Nature. The truck needed a bath anyway.
Ron, you are a master with all kinds of equipment and machinery. You possess talents and abilities that bless very few. Of course, your father was a great teacher and you are passing it on to Ethan. God bless you and your family.
I must say, I really enjoyed the time-lapse driving segments in this video. They are both relaxing, and fascinating! Thank you!
Ron Sir iam 72 yrs old and i used to work for wrecker service and garage auto repair shop in little town in Tenn. in the 70's called Monroe's garage and wrecker service. Surgoinsville Tennessee Iam a old western movie fan, but I would rather watch your Very sharp and clear videos than watch any other video here on internet , in Gray tenn where i live. You're the most respectiable owner and operator that i have seen in yrs. I can see in all your videos that you are a Very Devoted CHRISTIAN ,and i sure do admire you for that my friend. keep up the videos '
OH yea..... Sir i loved the music you used in this video at the end , instrumentals may i ask where i can get those music instrumentals plz . Sir keep up the videos they just make my day here . thanks MR Pratt, and you and your family,and co-workers have a nice and safe there , and GOD BLESS All of you there
I have hauled many Skytraks, easy loads as they drive on/off, most places let us unload them and park them off to the side. Fun machines!
Another job safely done did not expect a full drive to STL lol glad you can go faster than 65 cause my 680 sure cant lol 😆 at least cfi wont let us run 70
Stay safe out there and glad to see Ethan getting some hands on those chains to learn how to secure a load safely
I am impressed on how you are teaching Ethen. An letting him learn from you
At least the rain held off until the trip home! That was some narrow street maneuvering you had to do to pick it up--But you had a key! I remember the van in the woods episodes! And the Truck one too! Great video Ron! God Bless!!
Love seeing a Father and Son working in harmony. Keep up the great work. God Bless you, your Company and your Family.
While on the flat ground turn the wheels straight and then turn the steering to front wheel steer, crab mode or tight turn steer mode where front and rear wheels turn opposite directions. If brakes don't hold put the winch line on it.
@11:40 It occurred to me that when feeding a chain through a pocket (or anything other than just slapping on a hook) on a machine that might roll away, it would be a good idea to not attach the chain to the trailer first. That way if it does start moving your hands aren't in the hole with the chain. Ethan was fine in this case, but this might be a good tip for the future. (Unless someone with more experience can correct me on this).
Great driving to get the truck and long trailer through those small county roads.
Glad to see you change your mind on the rear tiedown. Pulling straight up is a sure way to break a chain when loading something with pneumatic tires. I hauled a Case 621 forklift for many years.
Awesome I love working with heavy equipment
I’ve operated those machines and it would be extremely difficult to load it on the trailer with 4 wheel steer. Ethan was right, good call. It also has crab steer which makes the whole machine move left or right sideways, which would help you center it in the trailer. Love that trailer though.
Awesome job, nice to see Ethan willing to help Dad, while off school. God Bless you all
Thanks for sharing Ron. I dont know if things have changed, but in 2000 when I pulled flatbed we could go 4" over the side without needing an OD permitt.
Bravo this equipment need additional ball mirror at the right front side to easy operate by operator, luckily Ron Pratt men is a professional for everything, nice job guys, stay safe & keep on towing.
I want to thank you for your professionalism both in your profession and in your editing of videos. I love the theme music at the beginning and ending of the videos. Gives me time to like and then go full screen. May God continue to bless you and your's. Dan
Friday is the only day I look forward to getting up early. Got to get my weekly dose of Ron Pratt video.
It must be nice to have your son with you on the job with you. Ethan gets to spend time with his dad, and learn a trade at the same time. That’s definitely a win-win situation.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and god bless..
Good to see you teaching your son the how to's of the business and I know you are teaching him the safe way to do things :-)
Thanks for posting videos that get me through every Friday during this crazy year. God bless
Nice to see the two of you working together. Looks like a good team
17 is going to need an oil change after that trip! This video ought to make those that have asked for the trip to be in the video very happy! Thanks Ron!!
If you put loop on one end of the chain, hook into the trailer, put the screw binder on and then get one more link on the loop made in the chain you will never run out thread on the binder.
Thanks Ron! Love the ride through the MO countryside. Stay safe out there.
Ron, for truck 17 at least, you should consider speed binders, this rig will see more and more use as your clients see it around and knowledge of it spreads, the speed binders would allow a driver to be used to tighten and loosen the cargo tie down.
Dirt Perfect has switched to them for hauling his excavators around on his flatdeck, his videos do have them in use and he has stated the battery for the impact driver he uses lasts for a week before going flat. Though he also set up a charging station in the tool box on the trailer.
You sure live in a beautiful place! Thanks for driving us around with you.
You've got me hooked Ron, especially with that beautiful music at the end....... I'm watching you night and day now, enjoying every minute...... Keep up the great work!
Gotta get you some speed binders. Makes chaining and unchaining so much faster, just gotta keep a cordless drill in the truck for them.
the flip style binders can't be used on loads this heavy
Got that Ethan Binder. Makes your work a breeze!
@@michaelking3327 i don't think he's referring to over-centre binders. There are a type of ratchet/worm drive binder that have a nut on them to speed tension, able to be done up with a drill or small impact gun.
Great to see Ethan on the job giving the old man useful pointers on the steering problem.
One thing I'd like to see though is less bending at the waist to tighten binders etc. Given that he's no small lad, lower back strain is something worth avoiding for as long as possible.
Great job by both of you. (Not that Ron does any other kind.)
Shoot if I knew y’all where up where I work I would have invited y’all to lunch. Lol love you videos brother! Watching takes me back to when I lived down your way a bit always from Essex. It’s a little piece of home as well as watching the great work you do. God Bless
Good Morning My Good Bro Ron Pratt Sir & God Bless You & All Of You're Whole Family This Afternoon & This Evening & The Weekend Coming Up
2 soft boiled eggs with toast and juice and a Ron Pratt video. Mornings don't get much better than that. :-)
Thanks for the great, and long driving video, Ron. MO roads and freeways have awesome scenery.
I'm glad u specifide abt Ethan. Cuz I started to question as to why he was performing the way he was.. But I'm also glad he is trying to learn n u helping him!
Love that trailer. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe
Awesome , Nice Ride Thanks Ron
I like that 2nd set up for the rear better too.
What a journey! A recalcitrant load, and a multi-hour drive. This California girl actually drove a portion of those roads in 2014.
That was quite an education. In the past i have watched excavators being loaded on to low loaders. It is not an easy thing to do. Although experts make it look very easy indeed. Well done Ethan, for helping your Dad. You will not be the loser for it.
Great video! You are so patient with your son. I love all the drive time - thank you. Such a beautiful area of the country.
Thanks for leaving in the driving segments. Really interesting to see another country's road systems. Take care. :)
Would love to see Ethan take charge on a job, just to see how much he has already learned. You can tell he has a good head on his shoulders!! Ron you should feel proud of him, he is right there in your footsteps.
I am a fan of your video's and have learned a lot. I wish you had been on when I was working. The telehandler would have been easier to load, was when you locked the rear axel put the equipment on with the rear wheels in place and used the fork arm to lift the front wheels and center the tires.. Don't stop making these I am learning a lot from them. I am too old to working like you do.
Ethan seems to be a great kid. My 18 yr old came home yesterday with the corona virus. Now I'm quarantined until Thanksgiving.
Hope you guys will be better soon!
Really nice video as always Ron. Those Telehandlers can be a bear when trying to do precision maneuvering. For something designed to pick and place, I've never had a piece of equipment more finicky than a telehandler.
Also, love the timelapse camera position. Really gives a good view of the road without being too disorienting.
That’s an amazing trailer. And a great father and son team.
Little trick for loading those telehandlers, for most of the bigger ones ( with a few exceptions) if you line the edge of the tire with the inside edge of the stake pockets on the trailer it will put you almost dead center.
A big thank you Ron and Ethan for a perfect video , not only of your skills in transporting an awkward piece of equipment form a - b but a mini tour of the USA complete with soothing background music. Where some of the roads featured in your "sunday rideout" video ?, and I see that you are having the same weather as we are in England at the mo sun/rain/sun etc all in a day. God Bless, stay safe and prayers to all.
Ron, I enjoy your videos and it is great seeing Ethan working with you. I see something in Ethan, that I saw in my own son at that age and it got my son hurt. That, is not doing what you say when you say it. Two examples in this video 1. When you told him to get down off the front of the trailer 2. When you told him to get up on the trailer to unhook the front binder . Both of those things were minor in nature, the next time could be a
Good training for Ethan soon be taking over and you can have days off
That's the way I always load them, 2 wheel steer only.
Talon has grown up quite a bit. He is becoming a big guy like your Dad. God Bless your family . Another great video.
42:55 - Y'know, Rain-X makes a wash/wipe fluid with water repellent in it. Might be a good idea to pick a bottle or two up, the rain'll roll right off the windshield. (Bear in mind it's rated 32°F+, so not a good idea to load it in if you're expecting a hard freeze, but down here in coastal Texas it works wonders)
Good job thank you for sharing stay safe God Bless 👍🇺🇸😎